I love all things potatoes, but I will admit that every time I plan something out using them I simply dread the looming work of peeling and chopping them all to get them ready. That’s the precise reason why when I saw this recipe floating around I was thrilled beyond belief. I’ve had loaded baked potato soup before and it eats like a meal. It is by far one of my favorites of all time. I don’t make it near as often as I’d like to just because of the work, which is a shame!

Let me tell you, I whipped this up with ease. I love the fact that I skipped all that work but lost none of the flavor. It has all the important players from cheese to sour cream, to bacon and onion. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this soup and probably immediately run around telling everyone you know all about it.

Recipe and photo courtesy of 12 Tomatoes

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Quick Tip: Try chives in the mix, or even some rosemary which is popular with potato dishes.

Fresh salsa is just amazing. Hands down, best ever salsa is from our local Mexican cantina, and they undoubtedly make a huge batch every day. I love making it myself, but I don’t always have the time to do so. I have been known to (gasp!) get the jarred salsa. There are some good brands out there so it’s not too bad. However, this amazing recipe came along that has a few shortcuts so you can still enjoy a better, fresh flavor should you so choose.

What makes it all the easier is using a can of diced tomatoes. Then you will add all the extra flavors making this taste more like a fresh salsa than buying it premade. You’ll be impressed with it no doubt, and if not at least you tried. I can say that I’ve whipped this up since finding the recipe and had people say how great my “fresh” salsa is. Of course, you’ll have to be the judge!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Slow Roasted Italian.

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Quick Tip: It’s best to stick with plain diced tomatoes rather than those that are seasoned.

Sweet potatoes are an easy favorite both at the holidays and any day. They are far healthier than other types of potatoes and have a uniquely addictive flavor. This recipe for roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon pecan crunch is a step above any sweet potato casserole you’ve had in the past. It has those pecans that honestly, you just need to have but then throws in a surprise with cranberries and orange juice. You get tart and sweet all in one!

Everyone was thrilled with this last Thanksgiving, and I even got asked if I am making it again. You just can’t deny requests on the holidays, it’s simply not right! I’m excited to make it again because it was highly addictive! Even the pickiest eaters at our gathering liked it, that’s how you know you have a keeper. I still put out a dish of sour cream for on top and it went with it very well.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Yummly.

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Quick Tip: Raisins would work just as well as cranberries if you’re making this outside the holidays.

The Holidays Just Wouldn’t Be The Same Without This Recipe

Tastes like a giant, gooey Rolo candy and it only takes about half an hour to whip up? That is the stuff dreams are made of! I actually had all these ingredients on hand and was so thrilled to find this recipe. I made them RIGHT AWAY.

It truly doesn’t get much better than this for a midnight snack, which is what I wanted. I realize it’s not the healthiest habit but there are just those moments that you need something sweet – no one can deny that!

I didn’t eat them all either, my kiddos were thrilled to see them out the next morning. I let them eat a couple for breakfast with a glass of milk. My daughter told me I make the best dessert ever, and my son said I made his morning. They happily went off to school with smiles on their faces and full bellies. Granted it’s not the healthiest breakfast but it’s okay every once in awhile.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Butter with a Side of Bread.

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Quick Tip: Why not crumble up some Heath bars on top of these babies – mmmm!

Critters… fritters… whatever you want to call them these zucchini fritters are amazing. I’m always looking for new ways to use up the endless amounts of these lovely squash that my garden produces. I always seem to have tons of zucchini and tomatoes. So whenever I find a new recipe I get all giddy like a school kid at recess. I knew these would be delish, I’ve had plenty of different fritters in my day and that crispy fried goodness is hard to beat.

Topped with sour cream, my family ate these up like they were going out of style. Zucchini is always an easy sell for them. It doesn’t have a strong taste. I’ve even made zucchini noodles and they had no idea they weren’t actually noodles if that gives you an idea. I also sneak them into sauces and other dishes to make sure everyone gets their healthy dose of veggies.

Recipe and photo courtesy of All Recipes

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Quick Tip: These are a perfect dinner side, but they also eat like a meal, and would be great for brunch.

Are you searching for something light to serve at your next holiday meal? I always find that we have so many heavy dishes. From mashed potatoes to turkey or ham and stuffing, and green bean casserole they are all so very filling. This has to be part of the reason we pass out on the couch after eating one plateful. I find I always have room for this purple passion. It’s so light and delicious and a great addition to the spread.

Everyone in my family, young and old is excited to see this stuff. It takes on that lovely purple color and is great once it’s chilled for a couple hours. Just make sure you whip up enough. I usually make a double batch but it truly depends on how many people you have. We’ve had holidays where it was just the four of us, and others where we invite everyone and their dogs, too.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Appetizer Recipes and More

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Quick Tip: Reserve some of the cherry liquid just in case you want this to appear more purple.

It’s no secret our love for Nutella in the household. It goes on so many things, and in so many recipes. It’s versatile and even though it is made of hazelnuts it tastes like chocolate. Why wouldn’t we love it! I knew this pie would be an easy hit and with minimal ingredients I also knew it’d be effortless. I couldn’t wait to try it out, and then eat it until there wasn’t a crumb left – with help from the family of course! I’m not that gluttonous!

It was every bit as easy as I suspected and even more scrumptious! This is far better than anything you could buy in the store. I had no idea that it was this simple or I would’ve skipped buying the packaged types long ago. Plus, there is no Nutella version anyway. My daughter could tell right away her favorite sweet spread was in there. Her eyes lit up and she said, “Nutella!” I think I have created a monster!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Delish.

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Quick Tip: If you’re not a fan of Ferrero Rocher chocolates you can use whatever brand you prefer.